‘Biron entered this season as the longest-tenured Sabres player after being drafted 16th overall in the 1995 Entry Draft. He has posted career numbers of 134-115-25-4, with a 2.53 GAA and .909 save percentage. So far this season he is 12-4-1, with a 3.04 GAA and .899 save percentage.’

'The Blue Jackets signed Conklin, 30, to a one-year contract worth $525,000 on July 6. He was 2-3-2 with a 3.30 goals-against average and an .871 save percentage in six games this season with the Blue Jackets.'

‘The Buffalo Sabres have sent goaltender Martin Biron to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a second-round pick, and sent a fifth-round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for netminder Ty Conklin.’

'The hobbled Sabres went into Deadline Eve one of only three teams not to have made a trade all season. Now Buffalo stands alone because Detroit and Pittsburgh, the other two teams, apparently completed deals Monday.'

'"That's almost instantaneous when you see him playing. It's the first thing you think of," Ruff said of Sakic being a constant reminder. "He was the most famous guy on that bus. Nobody knew too much of Joe at that time, and he turned out to be a hell of a player."'

'"There are good hits," Ruff said. "You want hitting in the game. The part that still bothers me is the intent and that hit came from behind," Ruff said. "He didn't see him in the eyes. If he was coming from the front, Chris would have saw him. The fact [Neil] could have avoided it makes it a little bit different."'

'A team official Monday said the club will place any contributions in the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, its charitable arm. And Ruff said he is touched by the public display of affection. "For the fans to step in is incredible, and it puts a big smile on your face," he told reporters.'